It’s always nice to get ahead of things when possible. Some people like to plan out their week in advance, sorting out their meals in the fridge and budgeting everything perfectly so there’s no overspending. Others, meanwhile, might decide to film their unimaginably expensiveLord of the RingsTV series in a completely different continent for the 2nd season. It’s always nice to make these little adjustments so everything can go nice and smoothly.
Amazon Prime’s upcomingLord of the Ringsserieshas been a busy little production lately. As things gear up to release the 1st season late next year, it seems they’ve already decided to make some big changes going forward. Rather than filming in New Zealand as one might expect from aLord of the Ringsproject, the whole thing is moving to the U.K. for the following season. But not only have they decided to traverse a good chunk of the globe, but they’ve also already decided on specific filming locations.
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Variety reports that going forward, Amazon’sThe Lord of the Ringswill shoot at Bray Film Studios and Bovingdon Airfield. Both studios are located to the west of London, and they’ve been home to some rather high-profile productions over the years. Based in Maidenhead, Bray Film Studios has notably been used in the production of films likeMamma MiaandRocketman. Meanwhile, Bovingdon Airfield in Hertfordshire has been home toheavy-hitters likeJustice LeagueandFast and Furious 6.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this big move is the fact that Amazon Prime’s series will be the first production in theLord of the Ringsfranchise to film outside of New Zealand. Ever sincePeter Jackson’s originalLord of the Ringstrilogy, every film from 2001’sThe Fellowship of the Ringto 2014’sThe Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armieshas done the bulk of shooting in that lovely island country. Presumably, the move was made because of convenience for the actors and crew involved, a good chunk of whom hail from the U.K.
It makes sense that they would make such a change, particularly given the much different style of production between movies and TV. It would be tough to have so many people continually shuttling between their homes and New Zealand for a project whose ultimate time frame is still technically up in the air. So moving closer to home for many of them is probably the smartest decision in the long run.
Still, that’s got to sting for the country that’s based a substantial part of its entire identity onThe Lord of the Rings. Granted, that’s understandable withsuch an addictive Howard Shore soundtrack. But it almost feels like seeing a couple break up after years together, even when everybody thought they were destined to be together forever. Granted, the ultimate result will probably be just as entertaining too, if substantially less morbidly so.
Amazon’sThe Lord of the Ringsis currently set to premiere its 1st season in September of 2022, with episodes releasing weekly.
